Cookology UCIF93BK Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Review

Have you been searching for a compact fridge that actually feels spacious, looks stylish, and doesn’t sound like a jet engine in your kitchen?

Why This Under Counter Fridge Might Be Exactly What You Need

When you’re short on space but still want proper food storage, choosing the right under counter fridge makes a huge difference. The Cookology UCIF93BK Freestanding Under Counter Fridge in Black (93 Litre Capacity, Energy Class F) is designed to give you a smart balance of size, performance, and appearance.

You get a sleek black finish that fits modern kitchens, student flats, offices, and even utility rooms, without paying a premium price. This fridge focuses on practicality: adjustable legs, a reversible door, a chiller box, and clear glass shelving to help you see everything at a glance.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about this fridge is how neat and modern it looks. The black exterior gives you a more stylish alternative to standard white appliances, and it works well with both light and dark cabinets.

The build feels solid for an affordable unit. You’re not getting luxury-grade stainless steel, but the materials are sturdy enough for everyday use. The door opens and closes smoothly, the interior shelves sit firmly in place, and the overall finish is clean and simple.

Sleek Black Finish That Suits Modern Spaces

A black appliance can instantly make your kitchen or small space feel more put-together. The Cookology UCIF93BK doesn’t stand out loudly; instead, it quietly blends in while adding a bit of sophistication.

If you have black, grey, or wood-effect cabinets, this fridge looks particularly good. It’s also a smart pick if you’re putting together a small studio or shared flat and want something that feels more stylish than the average budget fridge.

Compact Footprint That Fits Under Most Worktops

This is a freestanding under counter fridge, which means you can slide it beneath most standard kitchen counters or tuck it into a corner. You don’t need to build it into cabinetry, and you can move it if you rearrange your space later.

The dimensions are:

• Depth: 45 cm
• Width: 47.2 cm
• Height: 86 cm

At 86 cm high, it fits under many counters, and the adjustable legs help you align it perfectly with your worktop height. If your floor is slightly uneven, the legs also help keep the fridge level so the door closes properly.

Capacity and Interior Layout

Despite its small footprint, this fridge offers a 93 litre capacity, which is generous for an under counter model. The interior is designed to help you keep food organised rather than crammed in.

You get:

• Two full-width glass shelves
• One half glass shelf over the salad/vegetable drawer
• A salad/vegetable drawer at the bottom
• Door storage for bottles, jars, and smaller items
• A chiller box at the top for extra-cold storage

This layout lets you separate fresh produce, drinks, dairy, and leftovers so you don’t lose track of what you have.

How 93 Litres Feels in Real Use

A capacity of 93 litres is ideal if:

• You live alone or as a couple
• You need an extra fridge for drinks or overflow storage
• You are furnishing a student room, guest annex, or office kitchen
• You have a small kitchen but still want proper chilled storage

You can comfortably store a few days’ worth of fresh groceries, several bottles and cartons, and your essentials like butter, spreads, cheese, and sauces.

Here’s a simple overview of how the space is divided:

You’ll find it easier to keep your food visible and accessible instead of stacking everything on top of each other.

Practical Glass Shelves and Salad Drawer

The two full glass shelves and one half glass shelf are a big improvement over wire racks. Glass:

• Stops small items from tipping over
• Makes spills easier to wipe up
• Lets light pass through so you see what’s below

The salad/vegetable drawer is your go-to spot for fresh produce. Keeping fruit and vegetables in this drawer helps protect them from getting squashed and can extend their freshness a little, as the humidity is usually higher inside.

The half shelf above the drawer is useful for smaller items, meal prep containers, or snacks that you want to keep off the main shelves.

Chiller Box: Extra-Cold Storage When You Need It

At the top of the fridge, you get a chiller box. This is not a full freezer, but it is colder than the rest of the fridge. It’s suitable for:

• Meats and fish you plan to cook the same day
• Items that benefit from being very cold (like certain desserts)
• Quickly chilling a drink

You shouldn’t rely on it for long-term frozen storage, but it’s handy when you want a colder zone inside your fridge.

Adjustable Temperature Control

Being able to tune the temperature is essential if you store a mix of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and drinks. This model comes with an adjustable temperature control, so you can set the cooling level to your liking.

Setting the Right Temperature for Everyday Use

You’ll typically want your fridge at about 4–5°C for safe food storage. The control knob usually has low-to-high settings rather than specific numbers, so you’ll work with a range.

You might:

• Set it slightly colder in hot summer months
• Turn it down a bit in winter if the room is already cool
• Adjust if you notice items freezing near the back or not staying cold enough

Your ideal setting will depend partly on how full you keep the fridge and how often you open the door.

Keeping Food Fresh for Longer

When you use the temperature control properly, you:

• Slow down food spoilage
• Reduce waste
• Keep dairy fresher
• Maintain better texture in fruit and vegetables

Combining the correct temperature with good organisation (for example, raw meats in the coldest area, produce in the drawer) gives you more reliable food safety and quality.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

This fridge is rated A+ under the old energy rating system, which corresponds to Energy Class F under the newer EU/UK scale. That might sound worse at first glance, but the reclassification made the standards stricter, so many previously A+ units now appear as F, even though their actual consumption is the same.

The important number for you is the average annual energy usage: 107 kWh per year.

What 107 kWh Per Year Means for Your Bills

To give you a rough idea, if your electricity rate is around £0.30 per kWh (this varies by region and provider), the running cost looks like:

• 107 kWh × £0.30 ≈ £32.10 per year

Your exact cost will depend on how you use the fridge, room temperature, and your tariff, but overall it’s economical to run for a small appliance.

If you’re replacing a much older, inefficient fridge, you might notice a drop in your electricity usage.

Noise Level: Quiet Enough for Small Spaces

This fridge operates at around 41 dB. That’s:

• Quieter than normal conversation
• Similar to a quiet library or a low office hum

You will hear it occasionally when the compressor kicks in, but it’s not loud or disruptive. This makes it suitable for:

• Bedsits and studio flats
• Open-plan kitchen-living areas
• Student rooms
• Office kitchens or staff rooms

If you are particularly sensitive to noise, you’ll likely still find it acceptable for daily living.

Ease of Installation and Everyday Use

This is a freestanding model, so you don’t need specialist installers or integrated cabinet work. You can position it wherever you have a suitable power outlet and ventilation space.

Adjustable Legs for Level Positioning

Uneven floors can cause trouble for fridges. If a fridge isn’t level:

• The door might not close properly
• The internal cooling can be less efficient
• You may hear extra noise or vibration

The adjustable legs on this Cookology fridge help solve that. You can raise or lower them individually to:

• Line the top of the fridge with your countertop
• Keep the fridge stable on slightly bumpy or sloped floors
• Ensure the door swings and seals correctly

This makes installation more forgiving, especially in older properties where floors are rarely perfectly flat.

Reversible Door for Flexible Kitchen Layouts

The door is reversible, meaning you can change which side it opens from. This is especially useful if:

• Your kitchen layout forces you to place the fridge near a wall
• You want the door to open away from other appliances or doors
• You need better access in a tight or awkward space

You’ll usually need a screwdriver and a little time to swap the hinges, but it’s a one-time task that gives you long-term convenience.

Everyday Convenience Features

Beyond the basics of keeping food cold, this fridge aims to make daily life easier with small practical touches.

Simple Interior Layout That Makes Sense

The across-the-board glass shelves, door racks, and drawer make it easier for you to use every inch of space logically. You don’t get gimmicky organisational features that eat into capacity; instead, you get straightforward, usable storage.

You can arrange your items in a way that suits your habits, such as:

• Top and middle shelves for ready-to-eat food
• Bottom shelf and drawer for raw ingredients
• Door shelves for things you reach for most often

This simple layout suits you whether you’re a meal-prepper, a snack grazer, or someone who just needs basics like milk and leftovers.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Glass shelves and a relatively compact interior mean cleaning is not a huge task. For routine care, you can:

• Wipe the door seals regularly
• Slide out shelves to wash with warm soapy water
• Clean the drawer occasionally to prevent odours

Defrosting is minimal in a small fridge like this, but if you do see ice build-up near the chiller box, you can turn off the fridge briefly and let it melt, then wipe it dry.

Good cleaning habits also help your fridge run more efficiently and keep odours under control, especially in small spaces.

How It Fits Different Lifestyles

The Cookology UCIF93BK can suit a range of living situations. The key is understanding your own needs and how this model fits into your space and routine.

Ideal for Singles, Couples, and Small Homes

If you live alone or with one other person, a 93 litre fridge often hits a sweet spot between capacity and footprint. You have room for:

• Fresh produce for the week
• Milk, juice, or plant-based drinks
• Yogurts, cheese, spreads, and sauces
• Prepared meals or leftovers

You might still want a separate freezer elsewhere, but as a main or secondary fridge, this unit is very practical.

Great As a Second Fridge for Drinks or Extras

If you already have a full-size fridge-freezer but often run out of space, this under counter unit works well as a:

• Drinks fridge for sodas, wine, beer, and mixers
• Overflow fridge for party food, seasonal baking, or batch cooking
• Extra storage in a utility room or garage (as long as the environment isn’t extremely cold or hot)

You’ll appreciate the glass shelves and chiller box when stocking up on snacks and chilled drinks.

Practical for Student Accommodation or Offices

For students in halls or shared houses, or for office kitchens, this fridge offers:

• Enough room for shared staples and some individual items
• Easy placement under a counter or in a corner
• Quiet operation that won’t interrupt work or study

The simple design also means less to go wrong when multiple people are using it.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

To help you see how this model stacks up overall, here’s a quick summary:

Comparing to Similar Under Counter Fridges

You might be wondering how this model compares with typical competitors. While specific comparisons depend on the exact models you’re considering, here are some general points.

Versus Basic White Budget Fridges

Compared with many basic white under counter fridges, you usually get:

• A more stylish black finish
• Very similar or slightly better interior organisation
• Comparable or better energy consumption for this size
• Quiet operation that is still very suitable for living spaces

If you value appearance as well as function, the Cookology UCIF93BK often feels like a step up from plain budget units.

Versus More Expensive Branded Models

Higher-priced fridges sometimes include:

• Digital temperature displays
• More complex shelving systems
• Brand-specific technologies and finishes

However, you’ll usually pay significantly more. If you just want a reliable, functional, modern-looking under counter fridge, this Cookology model stands out as a cost-effective choice that still feels well thought out.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most from This Fridge

Once you bring this fridge into your home, a few simple habits can help you make the best use of it.

Positioning for Best Performance

When placing your fridge:

• Leave a little space behind and around it for airflow
• Avoid putting it right next to an oven or heater
• Keep it out of direct sunlight where possible

Good positioning helps the compressor work less, which can lower energy use and extend the lifespan of the appliance.

Organising Your Food Smartly

To use the 93 litre capacity effectively:

• Put raw meats and fish in the coldest area, usually near the chiller box
• Store vegetables and fruits in the salad drawer to protect them
• Keep opened jars and bottles in the door shelves
• Use containers or boxes to group smaller items so they don’t get lost

This not only keeps things tidy but also reduces wasted food because you can see what you have at a glance.

Cleaning and Care Routine

Every few weeks, you can:

1. Remove food, one shelf at a time.
2. Wipe the interior with warm soapy water, then dry.
3. Rinse and dry glass shelves before putting them back.
4. Gently clean the door seals to prevent mould or sticking.

If you notice frost building up in the chiller area, turn off the fridge briefly, open the door, and let the frost melt. Wipe away water before turning it back on.

Who This Fridge Is Best Suited For

You’ll get the most value from the Cookology UCIF93BK Freestanding Under Counter Fridge if your priorities match what it offers.

You Want Compact but Roomy Storage

If your kitchen is small, or you need a fridge for an annex, studio, or office, but you still want a fair amount of storage, this 93 litre capacity is well-balanced. You get enough space for several days’ groceries without sacrificing a large footprint.

You Appreciate a Modern Look Without a Luxury Price Tag

The sleek black finish means your appliance doesn’t have to look cheap, even if you’re buying on a budget. You can create a more coordinated, modern-looking kitchen or living space without overspending.

You Prefer Straightforward, Practical Features

You’re not dealing with complex digital panels or smart app controls. Instead, you have:

• A manual temperature control
• Clear glass shelves
• A simple, reversible door
• Adjustable legs

If you like appliances that “just work” without a learning curve, this fridge fits that preference well.

Points to Consider Before You Buy

To make sure this fridge is right for you, think about a few key questions.

Do You Need a Freezer Compartment?

This fridge includes a chiller box, not a full freezer. If you need to store frozen foods long-term, you will either:

• Need a separate freezer, or
• Choose a fridge-freezer combination instead

The chiller box is great for very cold short-term storage, but it’s not a replacement for a proper freezer compartment.

How Many People Will Be Using It?

For:

• One person – this can easily be your main fridge.
• Two people – it can work as a main fridge if you shop more often.
• Families – it’s better as a secondary or drinks fridge.

Think honestly about your shopping habits and how much fresh food you store at once.

Is the Size Right for Your Space?

Measure your available space and compare with the dimensions:

• 45 cm deep
• 47.2 cm wide
• 86 cm high

Remember to allow for the door to open fully and for some ventilation space behind and around the fridge.

Final Thoughts: Is the Cookology UCIF93BK Worth It?

If you’re looking for a stylish, compact, and functional under counter fridge that doesn’t strain your budget, the Cookology UCIF93BK Freestanding Under Counter Fridge in Black is a strong candidate.

You benefit from:

• A generous 93 litre capacity in a small footprint
• A sleek black design that upgrades the look of your space
• Adjustable temperature control for better food freshness
• Adjustable legs and a reversible door for flexible installation
• Low annual energy usage at around 107 kWh per year
• Quiet operation around 41 dB, suitable for small homes and offices

It’s not a high-tech appliance and it doesn’t include a full freezer, but it does what it’s meant to do very well: keep your food and drinks cool, organised, and easy to access, while looking good under your counter.

If that matches what you want from an under counter fridge, you’ll likely be very pleased with how this model fits into your daily life.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.